A 70-year-old female presents to the emergency department triage with a noticeable facial droop and garbled speech.

After having a few drinks at a local seafood restaurant, the client’s husband noticed his wife’s speech became difficult to understand.

The triage nurse does a rapid assessment of the client.

1915: Client arrives via personal car to emergency department with facial drooping and garbled speech.

Click to highlight the data that indicate the client is in need of immediate health interventions.

The correct answer is Choice C: Assign the remainder of medication administration to another PN who is performing treatments.

Choice A rationale: Denying the medication aide's request to leave before all medications are given does not address the issue at hand and could potentially jeopardize patient care. It is important to acknowledge the medication aide's request and find an appropriate solution that ensures patient safety and well-being.

Choice B rationale: Delegating medication administration to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) who may not have the necessary training or authorization could lead to medication errors, adverse drug reactions, or other negative outcomes. It is essential to adhere to the scope of practice guidelines and facility policies when assigning tasks to UAPs.

Choice C rationale: Reassigning the medication administration to another PN with the necessary qualifications and training ensures that patients receive their medications in a safe and timely manner. This action aligns with the practical nurse's responsibility to supervise and delegate tasks appropriately, maintaining patient safety and upholding the standards of care.

Choice D rationale: Documenting why medications were not given to each resident is an important aspect of maintaining accurate and comprehensive patient records. However, it does not address the immediate need to administer medications to residents, and it is not a substitute for ensuring that patients receive their prescribed treatments. Documentation should be completed after the appropriate steps have been taken to administer medications or arrange for an alternative solution.

Choice A rationale:

The neurology unit supervisor is not the most appropriate nurse to coordinate the progression of care for a client with a spinal cord injury (SCI). While they may have expertise in neurology, the nurse case manager is specifically trained to coordinate and manage the care of patients with complex conditions, including SCI. They can facilitate communication between various healthcare providers and ensure that the client receives comprehensive care throughout their stay.

Choice B rationale:

An adult nurse practitioner may have specialized knowledge in the care of adults, but they may not have the specific skills and training required to coordinate the care of a client with a spinal cord injury in the ICU. Nurse case managers are better equipped to manage complex cases and ensure the continuity of care for the client.

Choice D rationale:

A risk management nurse focuses on minimizing healthcare-related risks and ensuring the safety of patients and staff. While their role is essential, it is not the primary responsibility to coordinate the progression of care for a client with a spinal cord injury. The nurse case manager is better suited for this role as they specialize in care coordination.